Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase Delivers British Watchmaking, Swiss Engineering And A Dash Of Hip-Hop

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Combining sleekness and precision with a Swiss made ETA Valjoux 7751 movement, British watchmaking is firmly put back on the map with the limited edition Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase

In Brief

Featured in the Independent as one of the best affordable watch brands in 2022, Olivier Meylan brings technical prowess, Swiss craftsmanship and exquisite complications, (some with meteorite dials) resulting in wallet-friendly watches that celebrates time.
Taking inspiration from an astounding family heritage involving some of the top luxury brands in the world, including Jaeger-Le Coultre, the brand is named after Meylan’s son and is renowned for incorporating Swiss based movements in its pieces.
Released in November 2024 with a limited edition run of 100 novelties, it was part of a double whammy, alongside the quartz based GM19 x JH15 Special Edition Moonphase.
The latter, a chronograph, sold out in days, dropped in conjunction with Josh Hodge, Exeter Chief full-back and winger who has scored more than 200 points and appeared for England A under Steve Borthwick.
Following the astronomically inspired G0811, the Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase won’t be kicked into touch anytime soon with brushed stainless steel case, black marble dial, sapphire crystal glass and sub 10mm thickness.
Resonating strength and as much sleekness as Kate Moss at London Fashion Week, practicality merges effortlessly with excellent visuals, eye-catching blue Swiss Super-Luminova glow and impressive array of complications via the moonphase.

Keeping It In The Family

If you know your musical beans, in 1971, Sly And The Family Stone sung that it’s a “Family Affair”

And nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to describing the brand Olivier Meylan. What do we mean? Hang on a minute and let us explain.

Connected through time: David Meylan’s family has been part of the AP tree for centuries. Source: Audemars Piguet

Not only is the name taken after owner David Meylan’s son (he has two) but his storied legacy is one for the horological annals with a timekeeping tapestry to compare with the big hitters of Swiss watchmaking like Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.

“My grandfather, Alfred Meylan, was born in Switzerland and studied the intricacies of watchmaking in the Vallée de Joux, completing his apprenticeship in watch making before working for LeCoultre…As a child, my father took me to visit prestigious manufacturers, further fuelling my passion.”

David Meylan

In fact, Alfred Meylan, David’s grandfather, has the paperwork to prove their immense back story. How so? This is down to a few sacred documents of interest from the Vallée de Joux in the epicentre of the Jura mountains that further supports their giant timekeeping lineage.

You’re hired: Proof of Alfred Meylan’s employment offer from JLC (Formerly LeCoultre & Cie)

Let’s put it like this. This ain’t no 25 metre swimming badge! It actually shows his watchmaking certificate and employment offer, written in French from none other than Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Epic

With this astonishing legacy continuing right up to present times, the silicon hairsprings on his neck stood up further thanks to the birth of his son Olivier in 2016. Like a rocket on board Apollo 11, this fuelled his burning desire not to buy an Omega Speedmaster, but to create a legacy of his own. But what guise has this taken?

A watch brand..

Swiss Family Robinson

No we are not going to harp on about Heidi.

The grounding is evident, as reflected in David’s ubiquitous presence and obsession with horology, with Switzerland taking centre stage as an integral part of his upbringing. It was in this locality where the art of precision came into play where he spent nearly a decade soaking everything up like a balance wheel.

It was his complete and utter absorption of visitations to all the leading manufacturers in and around the Vallée de Joux that sparked this timekeeping quest to launch Olivier Meylan as we know it today.

A wristed development: Exclusive shots of Russell Kane and Nathan Dawe rocking Olivier Meylan

Oh, by the way, did we mention he counts comedian British stand up Russell Kane, DJ Nathan Dawe, renowned for “Lighter” with KSI and the one and only Snoop Dogg among his clientele? No he ditent! Look, we’ll overlook for a second that despite being nominated 16 times for a Grammy, he’s never won a dime.

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Nonetheless, The DoggFather owns a limited edition of the Players Edition 18k gold that was hand delivered by the man himself which can be seen on David Meylan’s Instagram feed here.

Meanwhile, England rugby international and Exeter centre Henry Slade represents the brand as an OM ambassador. More a case of OMG!

Hmmm. Isn’t that great timing?

Personality Of Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase

“At Olivier Meylan, our goal has always been to create timepieces that celebrate both the artistry of watchmaking and the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. The GM19 Moonphase represents our commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern accessibility, making luxury timekeeping a reality for everyone.”

David Meylan, Founder of Olivier Meylan talking exclusively to Chrono Hunter

Darker than Batman himself with a mean and moody black marble dial, following on from the celestial inspired MeteoriteDate & MoonDate comes the latest addition, in the form of the Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase.

And you are about to get starry eyed with this number as we deep dive like an Omega Ploprof 1200M Summer Blue into our review.

First things first, let’s talk build quality.

Refined and reminiscent of an Audemars Piguet Royal Perpetual Calendar Black Ceramic (26579CE.OO.1225CE.01), down to the eight signature hexagonal screws and as bold as a Breitling AVI 765 Re-edition chronograph, the melange of British watchmaking design and Swiss engineering is clearly on display.

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The tapered hands with gold edging add a touch of elegance and sparkle befitting of an Oscars or Emmys red carpet while the sleek second hand sweeps around majestically with a small moon at its tip. This reflects the star of the horological show on the black dial.

With a myriad of functions that pale the Snoopy Moonswatch into insignificance, there’s a whole lot going on with the Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase. If we dig a little deeper, admire the full moon phase indicator, residing at 6 o’clock which features a miniscule single hand pointer.

Measuring 42mm x 9.5mm, there is an arrow-tipped central date hand that showcases the exact date running around the periphery of the stealth-like black dial. In fact, dimensions wise for comparison, this is on par, case diameter wise with the lauded Rolex Yacht-Master whilst is actually 1mm less than an IWC Big Pilot reference IW329304.

"With the GM19 Moonphase, we embrace the beauty of minimalism, where black and white converge to create an effortlessly sophisticated timepiece. This design philosophy not only amplifies its understated luxury but also elegantly showcases the intricate complications of the ETA movement within."

David Meylan, Founder of Olivier Meylan talking design codes to Chrono Hunter

Plus, we might as well give it props to the timekeeping elephant in the room as it is 3mm less wide than the, ahem…Patek Philippe Cubitus. The clarity though is second to none on the Schauffhausen brand, but it does tip the fiscal scales at three times more (roughly) than an Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase.

Therefore, if affordability is your game, and you want to buy a limited edition piece for under £5000, this will tick the majority of the boxes.

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Oh this is a punchy entry-level novelty without question that’s rounded off with not one but two further subdials.There is an aperture located at 12 o’clock, which is home to the day of the week and month, and again has a single handed pointer.

You will find a 24-hour hand situated at 9 o’clock with a duo of pointer and larger arrow combo, that for some may be a tad like Marmite.

At 3 o’clock you will find the following text;

OM
OLIVIER MEYLAN
GM19 - Moonphase
AUTOMATIC

Mind you, the numbers around the dial and subdials are extremely legible on all fronts. Yet there’s lots going for it from the top quality stainless steel case, resonating durability to the all-encompassing Swiss Super-Luminova in a unique blue hue.

This is showcased appealingly via the eight circular hour markers that symbolize the solar system.

Josh Hodge sporting the now sold out Olivier Meylan GM19 x JH15 Special Edition Moonphase.

Truly not just thinking outside the box, but on an entirely different planet!

If we flip this over for a tick, we reveal a glorious see through caseback that pulsates away with a Swiss automatic beater, namely the ETA/Valjoux 7751 movement that has 25 jewels and is a key element of this piece.

Standing the test of time, well, you’re good for at least a two day power reserve, it will keep you ticking along, transcending boardrooms, beach bars and better still, for important special occasions.

Swimmingly Swiss and quintessentially British, like the Mind The Gap+ scheme between the two countries, introduced after January 1st 2021, this model is very much a harmonious partnership etched in prestigious, symbiotic timekeeping ties.

Official Specs

Case Diameter	42mm
Case Thickness	9.5mm
Dial	Black marble
Glass Type	Sapphire Crystal
Caseback	Yes, exhibition (skeletonised)
SuperLuminova	Yes
Functions	Day of the week, central date, month aperture at 12, 24 hour hand at 9, moonphase indicator
Strap Material	Italian “crazy horse” leather
Water Resistance	50 metres (5ATM)
Limited Edition	Yes, 100 pieces globally
Lug to Lug	48mm
Lug Width	20mm
Weight	125g

ETA/Valjoux 7751 Movement

Considered one of the champions of calibres, you’d be hard pressed to find a better one at this price point. ETA, are to movements as Ernst and Young or PriceWaterHouse Coopers is to accountancy firms…one of the best in the business.

A true leader in its field as far as Swiss movements are concerned, the ETA Valjoux 7751 inside the Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase does not disappoint on most front,

Pumped up to the max like one of Rafael Nadal’s passing forehands at Wimbledon, it is widely regarded for its tough innards, top notch accuracy and solid power reserve.

Although it didn’t grace us with its horological presence until the 1980s when Spandex and rolled up suits were all the rage, it is ideal for the enthusiast or keen collector with its everyday capabilities.

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Evoking in its visual theatre a slight nod to triple calendar timepieces stemming back to the heyday of watchmaking during the 1940s, this is a 25 bejewelled devil with bags of versatility with at its base the ETA 7750.

Ok, so it’s not on par with the Hublot Classic Fusion Power Reserve 8 with you guessed it…a whopping 192 hours of power reserve. But it’ll last you the weekend at least if you are venturing on a last minute getaway or travelling overseas for that key business meeting.

On top of this, you will find the same movement inside the following;

Longines Master Collection Automatic Chronograph Men’s Watch (L27734783)
Universal Genève Tri-Compax

What Is The Difference Between Valjoux 7750 and 7751?

In essence, while the former was home to a calendar with the day and date, the latter has a triple calendar sitting alongside a moonphase. And did you know Valjoux was the main supplier back in the day for some of the very first Rolex Daytona watches such as the highly in-demand reference 6263, produced around 1971 to 1987.

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Official Specs

Movement Thickness	7.9mm
Movement Diameter	30mm
Location Of Production	Switzerland
Vibrations Per Hour	28,800 (4Hz)
Number of Jewels	25
Power Reserve	48 hours

Where Can You Buy An Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase?

There’s good news and there’s bad news I’m afraid. Which would you like first? Thought so.

Despite the GM19 x JH15 Special Edition Moonphase that was hand signed by Josh Hodge at leading retail store John Lewis, which sold out faster than the latest Moonswatch execution, at the time of writing, you can still buy an Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase.

Limited to 100 pieces, this can be purchased directly from the site here, and is priced at £2,295.

Time to get your skates on me thinks…

What’s Our View?

As Europe sang in 1986 which later appeared in films like Pitch Perfect, it’s the Final Countdown and our overall thoughts

So what’s the score on the doors? After cogitating, contemplating and digesting we have to admit at this price point, there seems to be a lot in its favour on the surface. A striking and reliant movement?

Ok it does not touch the realms of Zenith El Primero territory with its beastly 36,600 VpH (5Hz). However, this does not detract from the purpose of the Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase.

Constructed with all manner of aficionados, enthusiasts and connoisseurs in mind, of all interests at an affordable price point, the brand has managed to pull off high complication, excellent legibility and alluring looks that befits something pricier.

If there were any niggles, perhaps we might have seen some other declinations that have proven popular with the community, such as green dials or salmon dials, rather than playing it safe with a black or white version.

Nevertheless, we’re clutching at straws from what is being presented, that may just have you tickled pink.

Conclusion

Intertwined with both practicality, tinges of luxury and utilitarian visual theatre, the Olivier Meylan GM19 Moonphase has knocked it out of the park in most areas. The ETA/Valjoux 7751 movement housed within can be seen in many watches from leading brands like TAG Heuer and Tudor, but for a fraction of the price.

Another factor that is in their favour is accessibility, packing in for a few grand a moonphase, day of the week, date and month indicators. That’s enough to rhapsodize about on its own. But we don't need Freddy Mercury here to give you the scoop.

The sold out limited edition G0811, worn by England winger and La Rochelle rugby man Jack Nowell

Take their smaller sibling model, the G0811, complete with stardust marble dial and brushed rose gold case that’s home to the same movement as the TAG Heuer Formula 1.

Similar to the Zenith Defy Extreme Glacier, made from chalcedony, like snowflakes flurrying from the air, every dial is unique. But if a perpetual calendar vibe is your thing, this may be your next purchase.

And the difference? Meylan’s model is considerably less. On the flip side, what’s more splendiferous is the association with Snoop Dogg and the fact he already rocks two of their timepieces. After all, you cannot buy that kind of PR if you tried.

Trust me, the clamour seems to be there for the business that’s barely five years old.

As part of British Watchmakers Day 2024, Meylan unveiled five one of a kind timepieces in conjunction with LP EDITS, an urban street artist who mixes stencil art with references from popular culture, resulting in exquisite hand painted dials, produced in Exeter.

And like Richard Benc over at Studio Underdog and Pizzagate, they all completely sold out like hot cakes, cross buns and everything in between.

From New York to LA doesn’t quite cut it for this East Devon resident, after picking up his sticks and relocating to Exmouth some twenty years ago.

Perhaps, the Charles Darwin of independents, this evolutionary brand continues on the astronomical route but takes it up a notch to a whole new stratosphere, you might say.

It seems that Papa certainly has a brand new beat…

Looking to buy a watch from some of the greatest in the industry. Want to sell a Rolex fast and upgrade to a moonphase? It’s time to visit Chrono Hunter for all your timekeeping desires.

Covering all major Swiss brands, from Patek Philippe and Cartier to IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Breitling and more, we are the go-to site for any purchase or sale.

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Contact us here to find out how we can kick start your collection or enhance your timekeeping flex. Enjoy multiple offers via our one of a kind, market-leading platform that puts you firmly in control.

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Images (Unless otherwise stated) Olivier Meylan

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